. >> reporter: michael's journey has taken him here, just a few hours drive from his connecticut roots but a world away to one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country, the phillips exiter academy. he helps find some of the best and brightest young minds across the world and hopes he's discovered even more out here. >> that's what i want for the inner city kids, that they can have this imagination. that yes, you belong. >> reporter: a message heard loud and clear. >> so cool. my dream is to go to yale. >> reporter: on a new field of dreams. ron mott, nbc news, exiter, new hampshire. >>> we're back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc. [ boy 1 ] hey! that's the last crescent. oh, did you want it? yea we'll split it. [ female announcer ] made fresh, so light, buttery and flakey. that's half that's not half! guys, i have more! thanks mom [ female announcer ] pillsbury crescents. let the making begin [ female announcer ] holiday cookies are a big job. everything has to be just right. perfection is in the details. ♪ get to holiday fun faster with pillsbury cookie dough. >>> stil